Still not that great

I have been at boarding school for over a month, and I’ve made hardly any friends. I really wish I wasn’t such an outsider, as most of the girls here are sort of in an insider crowd, but there are a few outsiders AKA me. I sort of know some people in older years, who said I could come to their rooms whenever, but this was in the first week, and I’m worried that if I tried to talk to them, they would shoot me down. I’ve made quite good friendships with two girls from China and Hong Kong, but they aren’t that nice to me, and always leave me out. I’m finding it so had to make friends, as well as the fact that I joined in M5, which is a very odd stage to join at. I’m worried that my old school won’t let me back, and that even if they do, I’ll be so behind that I won’t be able to get good GCSEs and achieve my dream of going to Oxbridge. I don’t know what to do though. I like all of the other years except from my own, and it’s so lonely. Also the teachers are really unkind, and they refuse to move me up a set even though I did all of the work they are doing at my old school. I feel really stuck, and I’m wondering if anybody can give any advice?

Parker (btw I go to all girls boarding school)

What is M5 equivalent to year 11 i.e sit GCSE next year?
Why did you leave previous school?

I understand its difficult and can be lonely.

Try talking to others, but also try and smile and feel confident even if you dont. It may be there are other new girls. If M5 is year 11, then tbh only to be expected as lots will alreayd have known each other for a year.

If the Chinese girls arent nice, then smile, but treat them as an acquaintance and unreliable, plus id who the other new girls are. If needs be go and talk to the teacher or head of year and ask so you can seek them out and make friends.

I would also go and see the older girls and ask them if they mind. Say its quite awkward but seems very cliquey, you are really sociable, but they arent. Years above and below are fine/ Would it be ok to come and socialise from time to time as you suggested as sometimes im finding it a bit difficult and lonely. Dont need you to feel sad for me but I would appreciate some friendly company or to be allowed to tag long for a bit. I think I get along with everyone and wouldnt want to be seen as too much of a charity case though or get in your way., Something along those lines would be my pitch?

If I assume M5 is fifth year or year 11, then I would say besides the above tough it out.
Be focused. You need your results and to do as well as possible. worrying doesnt score marks and within 7 months you will be deep in exams.
Survive till then by working hard and get the results you need plus parents are paying for.

It will be 8 or 9 months and you will be home. When it gets to the summer you can decide if you want to leave or not, but if it is year 11, then I would go with what you have as other schools might have no places and its disruptive. You are tough enough to cope. You can read books, watch films revise, have music, podcasts etc. get involved in some activities, but try and avoid isolation and worrying as neither are going to help.

Thats how I would cope, but then again I care less. I would grit teeth and get on with 7 months get good results and then you have choice. Acquaintances are ok, but thats all they are. If you get worried or stuck repost or drop me a pm and happy to give an opinion.

Everything you want is possible and within your control. You can get through it.

Thanks so much. Your comments were really helpful at my school M5 is the equivalent to year 10, so I would be doing my GCSEs next year. I’m going hom efforts half term and I’m quite excited and I’m going to have a think about whether I will stay or not.